Galloway, N.J. – No matter where a student is on their professional development journey – on the hunt for internships, trying to land their first job, or even looking to transition into a new industry – events like the Career & Internship Fair will remain in their corner throughout it all.

The Tuesday, March 4 fair in the Sports Center teemed with more than 100 employers ready to connect with more than 1,000 Stockton University students. One of those employers, Spring Oak Senior Living, has not only returned to recruit students but to sponsor the fair for a third time.

“What I really love about this event is that I have the opportunity to, not only speak to students about Spring Oak, but I also have the opportunity to speak to them about their actual career paths. I have the opportunity to, as a recruiter, recommend what path they should pursue and offer resume, social media and LinkedIn tips,” said Courtney Jefferson, who works as a Recruiting & Onboarding Specialist for Spring Oak. 

“Honestly, this environment and community is an amazing opportunity to optimize networking, and you just never know how you're going to land your next gig,” Jefferson continued.  

Other returning employers, Evolution and AtlantiCare, shared the same sentiments, adding that they enjoyed their interactions with the students they met.

“We've worked with Stockton lots in the past and continue to build our relationship with them,” Kate Mchedlishvili of Evolution said. “This fair is great not only for us but for the students, and the quality of students that Stockton has is just top tier. We look to continue this relationship for a long time.”

“AtlantiCare and Stockton have a great working relationship and partnership. We've worked with them through internships and the Live, Work, Learn program. Last summer, we actually brought in about 40-45 Stockton students for the summer for internship opportunities for both nonclinical and clinical experiences,” said Edson St. Juste, talent acquisition partner for AtlantiCare.

“Every time we attend the fairs, students are lined up waiting for us to help and assist how we can to give them opportunities, whether that's internships, full-time or part-time employment, they're just really, really interested and engaged when it comes to AtlantiCare,” St. Juste said.

When alumni weren’t perusing the tables themselves or volunteering their time helping students practice their pitches in the Student Decompression Zone, they were on the other side of the tables as recruiters. Wearing her pastel-blue “Alumni” badge proudly, Eileen De Los Reyes ’11 said returning to campus was a “full circle” moment for her. 

“I know the opportunities and education that Stockton provides students, so I know the quality of the recruitment here and the students. It's nice to be here at the fair and getting involved with Stockton,” De Los Reyes of Cape Resorts said . “Also, we know that Stockton is really involved in the Hospitality program, so we get a lot of great candidates, leads for our business and a lot of resumes.”

According to Sofia Abreu ’11, the director of Stockton’s Career Education & Development, the fair is just one aspect of the preparation that the department provides for students navigating the job and career market. Throughout the academic year, students can receive professional headshots and one-on-one guidance from career counselors in the Career Success Studio. 

Additionally, students are encouraged to attend various career prep events that ensure they’ll be ready to “connect with potential employers and stay engaged with evolving industries.”

“Programs like this provide students with direct access to recruiters, allowing them to network, explore career opportunities and sharpen their professional skills,” Abreu said.

Second-year Criminal Justice major Rowena Adeclat can attest to that.

“I was able to build my resume because of (Career Education & Development),” Adeclat said. “Additionally, I have internships under my belt, so I have previous experience, and it's all because of the times that Stockton has put out information where I received the opportunity to gain those internships.”

– Story by Loukaia Taylor and Laura Leonel of the Osprey Social Team

– Photos by Susan Allen

---